Air chief commends NDDC for supporting security operations in Niger Delta

The Chief of Air Staff, Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has commended the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for supporting the Nigerian Air Force and other security agencies operating in the Niger Delta region.

Aneke gave the commendation during a courtesy visit to the NDDC headquarters in Port Harcourt, where he acknowledged several infrastructure projects undertaken by the Commission to enhance security operations in the region.

According to the Air Chief, the projects, including solar lighting installations and power infrastructure, have improved safety and operational efficiency for security personnel.

“Let me seize this opportunity to commend the NDDC for its support to the Nigerian Air Force and other security agencies for its unflinching support to us,” Aneke said.

He highlighted the provision and installation of solar lights and 713 solar inverters by the Commission, noting that the facilities had strengthened operational effectiveness in the region.

The Air Chief also praised the Commission for donating a multi-purpose facility to the Nigerian Air Force at Kolo-Otuoke, which now houses one of the Air Force’s Administrative and Management Schools.

The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, (2nd left), pose with the NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku (2nd right), during a courtesy visit at the NDDC headquarters in Port Harcourt.With them are the NDDC Executive Director Projects, Dr Victor Antai (left) and the NDDC Executive Director Corporate Services, Hon. Ifedayo Abegunde(right).

Aneke explained that the facility includes physical education and skills acquisition centres, adding that some units were relocated from Kaduna as a mark of appreciation for the Commission’s support.

He noted that the NDDC’s mandate of driving socio-economic development in the Niger Delta aligns with the Air Force’s responsibility of providing a secure environment for national growth.

The Chief of Air Staff added that the learning centre would provide training opportunities for Nigerians, foreigners and staff members of the Commission.

Aneke also appealed to the NDDC board to consider rehabilitating and equipping Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) centres with modern facilities that could serve as training hubs.

He further sought the Commission’s intervention in providing accommodation for Air Force personnel serving in Yenagoa, Port Harcourt, Benin City, Asaba, and Warri.

Responding, the Managing Director of the NDDC, Samuel Ogbuku, said the Commission remained committed to partnering with both public and private institutions to promote development and security in the region.

He stressed that insecurity posed a threat to national development and commended the Air Chief for tackling the challenges confronting the country.

“Terrorism is like a virus, and if not curtailed, it will spread to other parts of the country,” Ogbuku said. “But I want to commend you because, since you assumed office, you have risen to the challenges posed by insecurity.”

He explained that the Commission’s interventions, including its Operation Light Up the Niger Delta initiative, were designed to improve security and economic activities across communities in the region.

According to him, the project has helped illuminate many communities, contributing to a reduction in militancy and criminal activities while boosting commerce.

Ogbuku also commended the Nigerian Air Force for maintaining facilities previously donated by the Commission and appreciated the military’s decision to allow NDDC staff participate in training programmes at the relocated School of Administration and Management.

He assured that the partnership between the Commission and the Air Force would continue to strengthen peace, security and development in the Niger Delta.